BPI brings financial education closer to public school learners and educators in Victorias City, Negros Occidental

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), signed an agreement on February 10 with the Victorias City government in Negros Occidental to bring financial education to more local communities following the successful pilot of financial wellness sessions in the city.

Under the partnership, BPIF will provide training support, curated learning materials, and implementation guidance for its flagship financial education program, FinEd Unboxed, which aims to teach underserved groups—including youth and teachers—practical skills in saving, budgeting, credit, investing, insurance, retirement planning, and fraud prevention. For its part, the LGU will conduct on-ground activation.

Also, together, BPIF and Victorias City will implement the “Train the Trainers” program, equipping community members to serve as financial education resource speakers. Once trained, these local trainers will conduct financial wellness sessions for other residents, helping expand the program’s reach. The partnership is expected to benefit 1,000 individuals within the first year of rollout.

“Financial education is fundamental to inclusive progress,” said Carmina Marquez, Executive Director of BPIF. “As we celebrate BPI’s 175th anniversary this year, we reaffirm our commitment to equip Filipinos with the knowledge and tools they need to improve their financial well-being.”

“Sa tulong ng aming mga LGU partners, gusto naming makapagbahagi ng kaalaman na makakatulong sa mas maraming bata at guro to make informed financial decisions,” she added.

As BPIF strengthens partnerships nationwide, targeted financial education programs continue to drive opportunity by bringing learning closer to communities and helping more Filipinos build financial resilience. The rollout in Victorias City, alongside planned expansion to other areas in Negros Occidental province, reflects a growing effort to extend these benefits across the region and highlights how collaboration between the private sector and local governments can foster more inclusive economies and long-term economic stability.

Victorias City Mayor Abelardo Bantug III said the partnership underscores the local government’s commitment to empowering residents through education.

“Financial literacy is a powerful tool for community development. By working with BPI Foundation, we are giving our constituents practical knowledge that can help families manage their resources better, grow their livelihoods, and plan for a more secure future. Programs like FinEd Unboxed strengthen not only individual households but the overall resilience of our city,” he said.

The initiative forms part of BPI’s continuing commitment to promote financial wellness and support inclusive growth by making financial education more accessible.

As BPI celebrates 175 years of service, the Bank reaffirms its enduring commitment to financial inclusion—a cornerstone of its mission since 1851. Guided by its purpose to build a better Philippines, BPI continues to expand access to secure, convenient, and affordable financial solutions for every Filipino, wherever they may be.

To learn more about BPIF’s financial education programs, visit the BPI Foundation website or follow BPI Foundation on Facebook (@BPIFoundation) and Instagram (@bpifoundationinc).